United News of Bangladesh

The United States is preparing to deploy additional warships along with around 4,000 Marines and sailors to reinforce its forces engaged against Iran, according to a report by Newsmax citing unnamed officials. The report said the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group is being dispatched from the US West Coast. The group is equipped with advanced military assets, including F-35 fighter jets, missiles and amphibious vehicles capable of supporting ground operations. The reported deployment follows an earlier move by Washington to send about 2,500 Marines and the USS Tripoli to the Middle East, amid escalating regional tensions. #From Al Jazeera

Qatar has condemned an attack on its Ras Laffan Industrial City, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and an “unacceptable violation” that threatens regional stability. In a statement, the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strike reflects ongoing attempts by Iran to drag the region into a broader conflict. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned that continued hostile actions and any expansion of the war would only lead to further escalation, stressing that regional security is a collective responsibility. The development follows reported strikes by Israel on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves earlier this week. Tehran subsequently retaliated by targeting the energy complex in Qatar, triggering a spike in global energy prices. Qatari authorities said a large portion of the incoming attack was intercepted, although some facilities were hit. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed. Meanwhile, tensions escalated across the Gulf, with multiple countries reporting missile and drone attacks within hours. The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems were responding to incoming threats from Iran, warning residents they might hear interception activity. Kuwait also reported explosions linked to its air defence operations and urged citizens to follow official safety instructions. In Saudi Arabia, authorities said five drones were intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region. Meanwhile, Bahrain activated emergency sirens, advising residents to move to safe locations. Bahraini officials later said the incident was the result of “Iranian aggression,” adding that falling debris from intercepted objects caused a fire at a warehouse. The latest developments underscore rapidly rising tensions in the Gulf, raising concerns over a wider regional conflict. #From BBC

As the war in Iran intensifies, the US State Department’s capacity to manage the crisis has been weakened by staffing cuts and leadership changes within its key Middle East bureau, according to current and former officials. The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs — typically central to coordinating US foreign policy across an 18-country region — is now operating with significantly reduced resources, even as tensions escalate across a region increasingly affected by drone and missile strikes linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The bureau, usually led by a seasoned diplomat, was for a period headed by Mora Namdar, a lawyer of Iranian descent with limited management experience. She was later reassigned. Her predecessor, confirmed by the Senate, was a veteran Middle East expert who had served in the State Department since 1984 and was formerly the US ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. The Trump administration had proposed a 40% budget cut for the bureau, though Congress ultimately approved smaller reductions. It also eliminated the dedicated Iran office, merging it with the Iraq office as part of broader restructuring. Officials say these personnel and management decisions — alongside President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to reduce the size of government and centralise decision-making — have limited the US government’s ability to respond effectively to a major international crisis. Interviews with more than a dozen current and former US officials indicate that many experienced diplomats with decades of expertise in Middle East affairs have been dismissed, retired or reassigned. In their place, more junior officials and political appointees have taken on key roles. More than 80 staff members in the Near Eastern Affairs bureau were cut, according to figures compiled by a State Department employee who was dismissed last year based on internal surveys. The State Department does not publicly release official staffing figures but has not disputed the estimate. The changes come at a time when diplomatic coordination and regional expertise are seen as critical to managing the rapidly evolving Iran conflict.

The Pentagon is seeking an additional $200 billion in funding for the ongoing Iran war, according to a senior administration official. The Defense Department has sent the request to the White House, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The proposed amount is considered extraordinarily high and comes on top of additional funding the Pentagon received last year under former president Donald Trump’s sweeping tax cuts legislation. Lawmakers in Congress are bracing for a potential new spending request, though it remains unclear whether the White House has formally transmitted the proposal for congressional consideration. It is also uncertain whether the request would garner sufficient political support.

European leaders on Thursday reiterated their refusal to join the United States and Israel in military operations in the Middle East, instead focusing on surging energy prices and potential economic fallout from the ongoing conflict. Meeting in Brussels, leaders of the 27-member European Union expressed concern over rising oil and gas costs triggered by the war, warning of long-term economic risks. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said energy prices were already high before the conflict, but the war had caused a fresh spike that could create serious problems if it persists. Despite pressure from US President Donald Trump, EU countries have declined to send military support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there was “no appetite” among member states to expand military involvement in the region. Several leaders stressed that Europe would not be drawn into the conflict. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker said the bloc would not allow itself to be “blackmailed” into joining the campaign, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that any involvement could only be considered after the fighting ends and under an international mandate. However, divisions remain within the bloc. While some leaders backed stronger sanctions on Iran, others, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, criticised the war as illegal and warned of its humanitarian and global economic consequences. The conflict has shifted the focus of the EU summit, which was initially expected to address internal issues, including financial support for Ukraine. Leaders are now also concerned about the risk of a new refugee crisis. The European Commission has предложed a range of measures to help member states manage rising energy costs, though officials acknowledge no single solution will suit all economies across the bloc. EU leaders said strengthening energy independence, including investment in domestic and renewable sources, remains key to ensuring long-term security.

Several countries have announced that Eid Al Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20, 2026, after completing 30 days of Ramadan and failing to sight the Shawwal crescent. Among the nations confirming Friday for Eid are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey and Australia, reports GulfNews. How moon sightings and calculations determined Eid Crescent not sighted Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait reported that the crescent was not sighted, setting Friday as Eid. Calculations determine Eid Turkey: Astronomical calculations determined Friday as Eid. Australia: Calculations and moon observations confirmed Friday as Eid. Official announcements Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq have officially announced that Friday, March 20, will be the day of Eid Al Fitr. Meanwhile, Singapore has announced that Saturday, March 21, will be Eid Al Fitr in the country, due to the impossibility of sighting the crescent from Singapore on Thursday. Which countries will sight the Shawwal crescent tomorrow? While some countries will attempt to sight the crescent on Wednesday, March 18, others will hold moon-sighting moments on Thursday, March 19. In many nations, the 29th of Ramadan falls tomorrow, meaning Eid could be on Friday or Saturday, according to the Astronomy Centre. Countries observing the crescent tomorrow include: Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, parts of Iraq, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania. Residents are advised to follow official announcements for prayer timings and celebrations to ensure a safe and joyful start to Eid Al-Fitr.    

The killing of Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, in an Israeli air strike has intensified a leadership crisis in the Islamic Republic. Larijani, one of Iran’s most experienced and influential policymakers, played a central role in shaping the country’s strategy on war, diplomacy, and national security as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. His death comes amid a series of strikes that have targeted senior Iranian officials in recent weeks. Known as a hardline pragmatist, Larijani managed three major crises: the ongoing war with the US and Israel, widespread domestic unrest, and stalled nuclear negotiations. His removal leaves these issues unresolved and transfers authority to an as-yet-unknown successor under highly fragile conditions. The loss of Larijani could shift power toward the military, with armed forces given broader authority to act in case of leadership gaps. Iranian army chief Amir Hatami has warned of a “decisive” retaliation for Larijani’s death. Analysts say the death not only removes a key official but also deepens systemic instability, threatening both the course of the war and the country’s internal governance.   With inputs from BBC

Large crowds gathered in Tehran on Wednesday to attend the funerals of senior Iranian officials killed in recent strikes. The ceremonies were held for security chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary head Gholamreza Soleimani, drawing thousands of mourners in the capital. Both officials were killed earlier this week amid escalating tensions and ongoing attacks in the region.   With inputs from BBC

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festivals for Muslims, will be observed on Friday, as the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted in the country. The moon-sighting committee convened and verified the matter, marking the end of Ramadan after 30 days of fasting, reports GulfNews This aligns with the Islamic tradition of determining the start of a new month through lunar observation. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that holidays for Eid for employees in the private and non-profit sectors will begin tonight, Wednesday, and last for four days, in accordance with the provisions of the Saudi Labour Law. Mohammed Al Ruzaiqi, the ministry’s spokesperson, said at the time that the announcement aimed to provide clarity for employers and employees ahead of the holiday period, allowing organisations to organise work schedules and ensure operational continuity in essential sectors while safeguarding workers’ rights to the festive break.    

Israel’s military said Iran’s Intelligence Minister Khatib was killed in an overnight airstrike on Tehran, adding that other senior officials in the ministry were also “eliminated” during the operation. In a post on X, the army said the killing of Khatib was part of what it described as an ongoing “assassination sequence,” claiming that “dozens of senior commanders” in Iran have been killed as the campaign continues. Source- Al Jazeera Israel claims killing Iran intelligence chief as Middle East tensions surge